Karachi: In a significant crackdown, police and Rangers dispersed protesters from six key points in Karachi after an eight-day-long sit-in over the closure of the Tal-Parachinar Highway. However, demonstrations persist at four major locations across the city.
The police operation was conducted under the directives of Additional Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Javed Alam Odho. Despite the effort, sit-ins continue at Numaish, Kamran Chowrangi, Abbas Town, and Safari Park.
Abbas Town Turns Violent
Abbas Town witnessed intense clashes during the police operation, with heavy firing reported and protesters retaliating with stones. The police demolished protest tents, but the road could not be fully cleared.
Protesters Regroup
At Kamran Chowrangi, protesters regrouped after being initially dispersed and chanted slogans against the police crackdown. Meanwhile, contingents of police and Rangers remain stationed at strategic points to maintain order.
Traffic Partially Restored
A traffic police spokesperson confirmed that entry and exit points at Jauhar Chorwangi, Jauhar Mor, and Five Star Chowrangi have been reopened. Additionally, sit-ins at several locations, including Shamsuddin Azeemi Road in Surjani Town, Shahrah-e-Pakistan in Sohrab Goth, and Golimar Chowrangi to Nazimabad No. 2, have ended, with traffic restored. A protest near Samama on University Road also concluded.
Situation Ongoing
Despite the crackdown, the protests highlight ongoing grievances regarding the Tal-Parachinar Highway closure. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as demonstrations persist in parts of the city.
